Howdy! I’ve been MIA these past few months because a lot of really big life changes have happened. I won’t go into detail, but if there is anything these trials have taught me is that God has a plan for everything. With that being said, I just turned 21 y’all! I can legally consume adult beverages! Turn down for what!? People who know me and read that probably just laughed their butt off because I’m definitely not a party person. It is an empowering thought though to think that I legally can be a party animal. It’s crazy to think I’ve been around for 21 years. In retrospect, 21 years isn’t that long and certainly not old, but I’ve learned a lot in life. I still have a heck of a lot more to learn, but I thought I would share 21 things that I’ve learned in 21 years!
- Spend time with family: I know there will be points in your life when you think hanging out with your parents is hands down the lamest thing you can do. You’re wrong. I was 14 when I watched my mom die. I was in that annoying early adolescent phase. I regret it. All those times my mom offered to spend time with me and I opted to go to the movies with friends instead makes me cringe. What I would give just to have even one more argument with her if it meant we could speak again. Take time to be with your family. They may annoy you and maybe a little goes a long way, but make sure you get that little bit then.
- The most attractive people are the people with hearts of gold: I will swear by this again and again. Someone may not have the most attractive face, but if they are kind soul you’ll never even think of them as anything but beautiful. “For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone”- Audrey Hepburn
- Know your own worth: I don’t care if you’re like me and you have to write that you’re a jewel and not a stone on your wall, just be sure to remind yourself that you are a worthwhile individual.
- Don’t let negative things foster hate in your heart: Bad things happen. It’s life. Don’t let the suffering you experience turn your heart cold. Instead, let those things be a chance to learn compassion. After all, compassion is what binds us to one another.
- Surround yourself with people who make you laugh: I am a firm believer that laughter is the best medicine! You sad? Laugh! You sick? Laugh! You stressed? Laugh and then Laugh some more! Have people in your life that make you laugh and make you smile. Those are the best types of people in the world.
- Don’t stay in toxic relationships: Maybe it’s a significant other or maybe it’s a friend, either way if its toxic get out! This is probably the lesson I have the hardest time with. I’m always scared of angering other people that I don’t watch out for my own well-being. I think the thing to remember is that these people may not be bad people at all, they just are not good for you. It’s ok to say goodbye.
- Always talk to your pets: To them, you are their world. Animals show unconditional love. I think we can actually learn a lot about life from spending time with our pets.
- Take care of your mental health: You aren’t broken if you go talk to someone. In fact, you’re showing a lot of self-love to put yourself outside of your comfort zone just to ensure your as happy as you can be. Sometimes it’s just nice to talk to someone who doesn’t have any invested interest to you and can be completely objective.
- Have inner strength: Like I said before don’t allow your heart to become cold from suffering. In dark times, hope is something you give yourself.
- The Golden Rule: Everyones heard it, “Love your neighbor as you love yourself”. It’s straight forward, just treats everyone kindly.
- Keep walking till you find the next door: When one door closes, another one opens. When we hit our lowest points in life, that when we are open to the greatest change. So when you find that next door, try out that room it leads too.
- Acceptance: Denial does you no good. True wisdom begins when we accept things for the way they truly are
- Believe in yourself: Believing in yourself goes along with inner strength. By doing this, no matter where you are, you will have nothing to fear.
- Take pictures: A picture is worth a thousand words! Years down the line you’ll have so much fun reminiscing over all the old memories as you look at photos. It doesn’t matter if you aren’t photogenic, take photos of yourself, of where you go, and who you are with!
- Go to new places: I may have not enjoyed my time in Minnesota, but I will be forever grateful I went. I grew a lot as a person from my experience freshman year. It was my first time ever being in a different culture. It’s good to see that there are plenty of people with different outlooks and customs than you.
- Go on adventures: Maybe it’s a fun road trip across the country or just a hike to a nearby attraction, go have fun doing something new.
- Trust your gut: Your gut reaction is generally right. Trust it.
- It’s ok to cry: There is nothing wrong with crying when you’re sad. I mean, don’t cry over spilled milk, but if your Champagne spills its ok to cry!
- Bring a Jacket: When you look at your weather app and tell yourself you won’t be cold, know that you are lying and grab your jacket. You will be cold without it.
- Purchase your movie tickets ahead of time: I’m the queen of choosing sold out movies. Don’t be like me. By your tickets in advance
- Love: Finally, love with all your heart. Love often and love generously. “A good life is one inspired by love”- Bertrand Russell
I can almost assure you I got to rambling on some of those, but I hope you enjoyed reading about my outlooks on some things! I would say I’ll be posting more often, but with finals fast approaching, I doubt I will. As always, I hope you enjoyed this post!
